Co-founder of women’s health movement dies at 91.

Carol Downer, a founder of the women’s health movement, dies at 91

Carol Downer, a prominent figure in the women’s health movement who was instrumental in advancing reproductive rights and empowering women to take control of their own health care, passed away at the age of 91.

Downer, along with her sister Lorraine Rothman, co-founded the Feminist Women’s Health Center in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. The center was one of the first women-run clinics in the United States that provided a wide range of reproductive health services, including pap smears, abortions, and childbirth education.

Advocacy for Self-Help

One of Downer’s most significant contributions to the women’s health movement was her advocacy for self-help in gynecological care. She believed that women should have the knowledge and tools to take care of their own bodies, instead of relying solely on medical professionals.

Downer and Rothman developed the concept of vaginal self-examination, which encouraged women to become familiar with their own anatomy and detect any abnormalities early on. This practice was revolutionary at the time, as it challenged the traditional doctor-patient relationship and promoted autonomy and empowerment for women.

Impact on Reproductive Rights

Throughout her career, Downer was a fierce advocate for reproductive rights and fought tirelessly for access to safe and legal abortion. She was a co-author of the self-help book “A New View of a Woman’s Body,” which provided women with information on reproductive health and encouraged them to take control of their own bodies.

Downer’s work had a lasting impact on the women’s health movement, shaping the way women approach their health care and advancing the fight for reproductive rights. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of women to advocate for their own health and rights.

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